Periodontal Disease

Understanding Gum Disease and Its Impact

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and, if left untreated, can progress to impact the ligaments and bone supporting your teeth. At MA Dental Care, we’re committed to identifying and treating gum issues early, especially common concerns like gum bleeding and gum recession.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Several factors can contribute to the development of periodontal disease, including:

• Poor oral hygiene practices such as neglecting brushing, flossing, or skipping routine dental visits.
• Poorly aligned teeth that are difficult to clean effectively.
• Dry mouth (xerostomia), which creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth due to reduced saliva.
• Tobacco use, which slows blood flow and weakens the immune system.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause that affect the immune system.
• Nutritional deficiencies that weaken the gums and increase susceptibility to infection.
  

Spotting the Signs: Gum Bleeding and Gum Recession

• Gum Bleeding  Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing often signal inflammation or the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis). It’s not normal and should never be ignored. Left untreated, bleeding can worsen and lead to deeper gum infection.

• Gum Recession  Receding gums expose more of the tooth surface and roots, making them sensitive and vulnerable to decay. This condition may develop slowly and is often noticed only when teeth appear “longer” or become more sensitive to temperature.

Other symptoms may include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Loosening teeth or changes in bite alignment
  

Treatment Options at MA Dental Care

We offer several targeted treatments based on the severity of your gum condition:

• Prophylaxis: Regular cleanings to address early-stage gingivitis.
• Scaling and Root Planing: Deep cleaning above and below the gumline to remove bacteria and plaque.
• Pocket Reduction Surgery: Cleaning teeth when periodontal pockets become too deep.
• Osseous Surgery: Smoothing the jawbone and cleaning the affected teeth when bacteria cause bone defects.
• Soft Tissue Grafting: Restoring the gumline after gum recession.
• Bone Grafting: Rebuilding jawbone mass when it has deteriorated, often in preparation for dental implants.